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What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that causes a persons’ blood glucose (sugar) level to become too high. There are two main types – type 1 diabetes and the more common type 2 diabetes. Other types include gestational diabetes, which can develop during pregnancy, and the much rarer diabetes caused by mutations or changes in a single gene (inherited from both parents), or by certain medications or hormonal imbalances.
Getting enough quality sleep is vital for our physical, emotional, and mental health, but sleep problems can be common for those living with diabetes. This is because changes in blood sugar levels (which those living with diabetes are more susceptible to) can disrupt sleep. Some diabetes-related complications, such a neuropathy (nerve damage) and foot pain can add to the difficulty of achieving a restful night.
Diabetes, blood sugar and sleep
Low blood sugar, known as ‘hypos’ (hypoglycaemia) during the night can affect people with type 1 diabetes and can lead to reduced sleep quality. Individuals with other types of diabetes and who take insulin or other glucose-lowering medication can also experience low blood sugars during the night.
Conversely, high blood sugar levels, known as ‘hypers’ (hyperglycaemia) can also impact on sleep. High blood sugar levels can increase the number of times you need to visit the loo, so at night this will disrupt sleep. It can also make you feel thirstier or give you a headache – causing a delay in getting back to sleep.
Diabetes-related technology, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGM) that alert people on their smartphone if their blood sugar levels are falling too high or too low. Hybrid closed loop systems are also available, designed to keep blood sugar levels more stable during the day and night and have been found to help those living with type 1 diabetes.
Recent research carried out by the University of Bristol has shown that insomnia can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Whilst getting a good night’s sleep is essential for good health, the risk of type 2 diabetes also increases with factors such as age, smoking and high weight gain, so it’s also important to eat healthily and be physically active. The NHS offers free ‘quit smoking’ support. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, are also more likely to develop in people living with type 2 diabetes.
We’ve written more about blood sugars, generally, in an earlier blog.
How can diabetics improve their sleep quality?
- In addition to monitoring sugar levels and eating more healthily, having good sleep habits can help achieve a better quality of sleep. For example, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day - and here are some other general tips to help:
- Be more active during the day, even gentle exercise will help if done regularly.
- Sleep on a comfortable mattress and use bedding made with natural and breathable materials (more about this further down).
- Make time to relax for about an hour before you go to bed (i.e., don’t start doing your chores just before bedtime!).
- Avoid alcohol before bed as this interferes with your sleep cycle. It can also contain a lot of sugar.
- Turn off the TV and any devices – and try and keep these out of the bedroom. Set a time limit on your social media use before bed. The light emitted by screens can stop your body going into ‘sleep mode’.
- Turn down the heating, open a window (if you can) or use a fan to circulate air – the optimal temperature for sleeping is 16°C - 18°C.
Why our luxurious wool bedding can help you sleep better
Our wool duvets, toppers and pillows are individually handcrafted by our seamstresses in our Devon workshops and filled with certified fully traceable 100% British wool, encased in pure cotton. We do not use any synthetic liners, bonding agents, and our wool is washed and needled in traditional British mills, without the use of chemicals. Natural, authentic and sustainable, our luxurious wool bedding is breathable, temperature regulating and dust mite resistant, working with you and the ambient temperature in your bedroom to keep your core body temperature balanced throughout the night. This helps to achieve a more restful sleep. For example, our gorgeous award-winning, best-selling wool duvets, designed and made by us to incorporate a beautiful drape that provides a cosy, comfy and cossetting sleep environment.
If you have any queries about our products or would like help in choosing the right Devon Duvets product for your needs, then please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
If you are living with diabetes and regularly struggling to sleep, then please seek the advice of your doctor or medical professional. Diabetes UK also have a helpline 0345 123 2399.
Ref: Diabetes UK; NHS
